Retirement #1!

[fourflys]

So yesterday, after 30 years, I said goodbye to the uniform I have been incredibly honored to wear for my entire adult life.

It is certainly a bittersweet feeling as the Coast Guard has allowed me to see, do and learn so much.. from sailing around the Caribbean to living on an island in Alaska (Kodiak) where it was normal to see a 1,500# brown bear walking down the road in front of your house.. the people I've met, the traditions I've been part of, and the differences we've made is so awesome, it defies words.

The coolest part of yesterday was I was able to "advance" my Commanding Officer (a CAPT/O6) to Honorary Chief Petty Officer! Those from the Naval Services know what a big deal it is to give an Anchor to an Officer.. this only happens if the Officer has been a phenomenal leader, mentor, and showed great care and support for the enlisted crew. My CO was all that and more and it was so cool to be able to pin a set of Anchors on her collar!

Now I say "retirement #1" as I'll be starting as a Coast Guard Civilian employee toward the end of the month.

since we always say "pics or it didn't happen", here you go!

[Davist]

Congratulations! All the best for your future and thank you.

[OtayBW]

[NHAero]

What a wonderful way to go out, and look back on all you've accomplished! Good luck in the next chapter!

[Gphin]

Hand Salute to you Master Chief! I only spent four years in the Navy, but to this day I will stand by saying that it was the most important time in my young life as it shaped me into the man I am today. Anchors Aweigh

[AngryScientist]

Ah, what a nice post to read on a Friday morning.

Congratulations to you !

(you should have taken more time off before starting in again!!!)

[XXtwindad]

Congrats!

[Ken Robb]

Where will you live/work now and what kind of duties are you assuming?

[tuxbailey]

Congratulations!

[jamesdak]

Congrats on the retirement and good luck with the civil service position.

I'm retired active duty and now a GS worker. The "second" retirement is less than 4 years away and I'm not sure I'm going to make it.

Civil service is great way to still serve your country but there are soooo many incompetent managers in this sector. Hopefully you land in a good organization.

[username]

Many congratulations, thanks for your hard and valuable service, and all the best as you begin your next chapter.

[m_sasso]

Congradulations Chris and welcome to the retirement club!

[nortx-Dave]

Congratulations and as always, thank you for your service. I'm retired US Army, 8+ years ago. I enjoyed the years I served and the job I had, but retirement has been so sweet that I haven't looked back.

[JMT3]

Don't do it! You won't have a life. I retired April 8, 2022 and can't find enough time in a day to accomplish what I want to get done for the day. Do travel a lot and have learned the fine arts of sleeping in and procrastination.

Congratulations and thank you for serving.

[fourflys]

Originally Posted by Ken Robb

Where will you live/work now and what kind of duties are you assuming?

Thanks all!

Ken- we are staying here in Sonoma County for at least three years to get the youngest through high school and then re-evaluate.. we will eventually move up to the PNW as I just can't afford a house here without being "house poor"..

The new job will be the Victim Advocate Program Specialist (VAPS) for the Northern AOR (Bay Area to Oregon border) of California. What that means is regular terms is I'll be the program manager for our active duty volunteer Victim Advocates that help guide our Coast Guard members through the myriad of stuff after they've been sexually assaulted. My job will be to guide, mentor, train, and oversee those volunteer Victim Advocates.. I will also be the assistant Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC), the SARC is the subject matter expert in all things sexual assault response and prevention.. this position will ensure I still get to be there to help Coasties when they are struggling and that is the main reason I took this job.. I was able to help guide and mentor my shipmates as a CMC and I'll be able to continue that in this position..

jamesdak- I hear what you're saying.. I have some friends who have the same experience as you.. luckily for me, I'll be working for someone I've known for many years (and is awesome!), in a small office of like-minded professionals.. while that could change in the future, I should be good for now..

Appreciate all the kinds words, that's why this forum is awesome!